In this novelization of the Sci Fi Channel's forthcoming miniseries based on Larson's 1978 Star Wars knockoff, Carver (Eternity's End ) must grapple with the product of imaginations much inferior to his own. In the far future, humanity fights a desperate battle against the Cylons, rebellious robots once created by humans to do their dirty work. Originally, the average Cylon looked like a toaster with legs. But, 40 years later, the new Cylon model looks human, is irresistibly sexy and given to melodramatic explications of fiendish plans in the seconds between its victim's seduction and death. After a coordinated sneak attack, all that remains between the Cylons and the extinction of humankind is the interstellar aircraft carrier of the title, about to be mothballed as a museum. Commander Adama, himself about to retire, must pull together an ensemble cast for much derring-do and very few surprises. Readers who demand nothing more than killing time, trees and Cylons may find this book superficially entertaining. (Feb.)